KAILUA-KONA — On Tuesday, the County of Hawaii marked another step in its efforts to reduce homelessness on the Big Island with the blessing and grand opening of Hale Kikaha, a micro-housing project that will house more than two dozen
KAILUA-KONA — On Tuesday, the County of Hawaii marked another step in its efforts to reduce homelessness on the Big Island with the blessing and grand opening of Hale Kikaha, a micro-housing project that will house more than two dozen Big Islanders in the Old Kona Industrial Area.
The event was attended by several dozen dignitaries, representatives of social service agencies and nonprofits, and others.
“When you’re down on your luck, it is comforting to know that there are people that care, and it is such a good feeling to know that we have this facility that will provide a clean and safe environment for some of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters,” said Kona Councilman and County Council Chairman Dru Kanuha. “To the new residents of Hale Kikaha, my congratulations to all of you. It’s a great thing to be given a second chance in life and an opportunity to become productive and contributing members of society again. I encourage you to make the most of it.”
Comprising 23 ADA compliant units — three of which are designated for couples and four that are handicap accessible — the first tenants, most of whom are from West Hawaii, are expected to move in the first week of December, said Sharon Hirota, Existing Housing Division manager with the county Office of Housing and Development. The tenants were identified earlier this fall through various social service agencies and had to complete applications and be interviewed. More than 100 people applied.
Though considered permanent support housing, the goal is to have tenants there on a 12-month lease and then assess if they are able to move to their next residence.
The project was the county’s response to Gov. David Ige’s call for more to be done throughout the islands about homelessness, particularly to create permanent housing solutions. It was listed as part of Ige’s original proclamation in October 2015 declaring homelessness an emergency.
The units are crafted in re-purposed shipping containers and feature a kitchenette with a sink, microwave and refrigerator and room for a bed. A second area houses the bathroom, which includes a stand-up shower, toilet and fixtures. In addition to the units, there is a laundry facility, office space for management, a storage area and a resource office that will connect people with mental and medical services. All told, the project cost about $2.4 million.
“All the kids and families who homeless, you know what they need guys? Simple. All they need is one sense they get chance,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi, who like others thanked the county and community efforts to make the facility a reality. “If our kids believe they get chance and how they believe that is because they can sleep in one clean, safe place, they’re not stuck in a car or down on the beach and hide in shame and get teased by their friends, there’s a place of dignity of hope.”
“It’s fantastic to see the county taking direction for this style of housing, this concept of housing, and I look forward to their plans on how to meet the transients’ needs for shelter,” said Mattson Davis, former CEO of Kona Brewing Co., president of Ulu Development and managing partner Manini Holdings LLC, which manages the 6-acre area next to the new units. “We still need a shelter where people can come sleep overnight. As a new neighbor, we hope to work with these tenants and the Friendly Place.
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.
